Wow. What a Winter it’s been so far here in Nova Scotia – and we haven’t even seen any snow yet!! My power is out right now due to high winds and rain, just as it was on Christmas Day just a couple of short weeks ago. With our changing climate and oddball weather here lately, it may be time to invest in a GENERATOR. These great devices allow you to power your home when the local utility lets you…

Continuing our series on getting ready for winter, today we’ll be delivering 8 tips for oil furnace owners. Oil furnaces use electricity and oil to heat your home. Essentially a pump and a blower provide forced warm air to zones throughout the house, as dictated by your venting. Oil is popular in Nova Scotia, alongside electric, and a growing number of heat pumps. If you have oil heat, here are a few tips and tricks for you now that the…

With the first dusting of snow landing in Halifax this morning, it appears that fall has finally caught up with us. Winter won’t be far behind. Now is the season to start thinking about winter heat. Here in Nova Scotia, most of us rely on oil, gas, wood or electricity to keep our homes cozy during the winter months. Heat pumps are becoming more prevalent in our province as well, but with our extreme temperature range, they can fail when…

Here at Flinn Electric, we are often asked how much it costs to run certain appliances, lighting and other electrical devices. Which is why we went ahead and developed a handy electrical cost calculator! Wondering how much your old fridge costs to run? Want to compare your LED bulbs vs. the old incandescent ones? Now you can! Just pick an appliance or enter the electrical details, and let us calculate the cost for you! Have a job, big or small…

Sometimes you need power and there are no outlets nearby. This is where the mighty EXTENSION CORD shines! However, beware that all extension cords are not created equally. Do not assume it is a heavy-duty cord just because it is orange or yellow! Each cord has an amperage rating, which should be checked before using it on a high-amperage appliance. And some things aren’t meant for extension cords at all. For instance, an air-compressor should be plugged directly into an…

BRRR!! Now that the cold is starting to descend upon us Atlantic Canadians, it is time to think about bundling up battening down for the Winter. Save energy (and money) this fall by taking a few simple and inexpensive steps around the home! A number simple strategies can save you money across the entire cold season. Take a look below, and see if you could be doing more to save energy in your home this fall and winter! Get an…

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters or GFCIs are special electrical outlets designed to protect you. You’ll often find them close to water – in the bathroom, by the kitchen sink, in the garage or on the exterior of your home. GFCIs are specifically designed to for use in wet environments. This has to do with it’s design. A GFCI outlet constantly measures the current in both the black and white wires, and compares them. Any shift in either, and the outlet…

As the temperature begins to drop this autumn, people start readying themselves for the upcoming winter here in Eastern Canada. Away goes the lawnmower and whipper snipper, and out come the electrical heaters and blankets. We’ve put together some great tips to help you prepare for the colder months. When raking the yard, be sure to keep piles of leaves away from any outdoor outlets, lighting or power cords Check the condition of all summer equipment you are storing away…

Whether you are a homeowner or just renting, you should always take the time to label your home’s circuits upon moving in. Then when the power suddenly cuts out, or you need to cut specific power for a project, you’ll be prepared! I even have a crude map taped to the inside of my fusebox, to show me where each area is. Room names change over the years – what was a rec room is now a bedroom, and the…